match starts at 10:30 pm ist
HOUSTON, June 13: Four-time world champions Germany will begin their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign against tournament debutants Curacao on Sunday, with Julian Nagelsmann’s side expected to secure a comfortable victory in their Group E opener.
While Germany are not among the leading favourites for this year’s title, the European giants boast a rich World Cup pedigree, having lifted the trophy in 1954, 1974, 1990 and 2014. The Germans will be eager to make a strong start after disappointing exits at the group stage in both the 2018 and 2022 editions.
Nagelsmann’s men head into the tournament in impressive form, having won their last nine matches across all competitions. Their recent victories include friendly wins over Switzerland, Ghana, Finland and co-hosts USA, giving them confidence ahead of the global showpiece.
Germany have been drawn alongside Curacao, Ivory Coast and Ecuador in Group E and are widely expected to progress to the knockout stage. Even a third-place finish could be enough to advance under the tournament format.
For Curacao, the match represents a landmark moment as the Caribbean nation prepares for its first-ever World Cup appearance. The debutants will make history when they take the field in Houston and will be hoping to spring a surprise against one of football’s traditional powerhouses.
Anything less than a convincing victory for Germany would be considered a major upset and could invite scrutiny, as the former champions look to re-establish themselves among the world’s elite teams. (Agencies)
